Once, Haruki Murakami said, “Death is not the opposite of life but a part of it”.
Another celebrity death in the entertainment industry occurred on August 7, 2025, at just 48 years old. Brandon Blackstock, best known as a talent manager and television producer who worked especially in country music, died after a 3-year battle with melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
So, how did he die at such a young age—what is the story behind his battle, what did he want to do, you want to know, right? Well, here you go.
In today’s story, I’ll share a detailed story about Brandon’s life from birth to death, early life story, career, turning phase, major achievements, marriage, divorce, children, net worth, lifestyle, social media, death, battle, funeral, condolences, and many unknown facts. Let me start with a brief introduction to the legend, Mr. Blackstock:
Table of Contents
Who is Brandon Blackstock?
Brandon Blackstock is a well-known talent manager who was born in Fort Worth, Texas, US. His birth date is December 16, 1976. Born with a Sagittarius birth sign, he holds a white ethnicity.
He married Melissa Ashworth in 2001 and separated after one year, in 2012. He married second time to singer Kelly Clarkson in 2013 and separated in 2022. Sadly, he died on 7 August 2025 (age 48 years), battling three years with Melanoma cancer.
The Popularity
Brandon’s popularity has made him one of the most recognizable people in the world. His image as a talent manager and television producer in the entertainment industry will influence his work, devotion, and strength. He made his popularity his own and gained a vast support for his family and ex-wives.
Let’s have some facts regarding Brandon Blackstock:
| Aspect | Details |
| Real name | Narvel Brandon Blackstock |
| Popular As | Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband |
| Birth date | December 16, 1976 |
| Birth place | Fort Worth, Texas |
| Age | 48 years old (As of 2025 of his death) |
| Gender | Male |
| Zodiac sign | Sagittarius |
| Parents | Narvel Blackstock and Elisa Gayle Ritter |
| Siblings | Shelby Blackstock, Chassidy Celeste Blackstock, Shawna Rene Blackstock |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Education | University of Michigan |
| Height | 172 cm |
| Weight | N/A |
| Hair color | Gray |
| Eye color | Grayish-blue |
| Profession | Talent manager and television producer |
| Marital Status | Divorced (at the time of his death) |
| Ex-spouse | Melissa Ashworth and Kelly Clarkson |
| Marriage Date | Melissa Ashworth (2001-2012)Kelly Clarkson (2013-2022) |
| Children | Savannah Blackstock, Seth Blackstock, River Rose Blackstock, and Remington Alexander Blackstock |
| Net worth | $10 million (at the time of his death) |
| Death | 7 August 2025 (age 48 years) |
Early Life & Background
Brandon Blackstock was the son of music manager Narvel Blackstock and Elisa Gayle Ritter. He grew up in an entertainment-focused family rich in heritage, culture, and customs.
Talking about his career, he became a talent manager for artists like Blake Shelton and Kelly Clarkson, whom he married in 2013. His father, Narvel Blackstock, was famous as the founder of Starstruck Entertainment, where Brandon worked and later took over management duties. He was also the stepson of country music star Reba McEntire, who was married to his father from 1989 to 2015.
Education & Struggles
He completed his education at the University of Michigan and then joined his father’s foundation. As his personal life and educational background are not very popular and mostly stay out of the media until his marriage to Kelly Clarkson.
There are no further details found about his struggles in the early years, both personally and professionally.
What were Brandon’s Hobbies?
Brandon Blackstock enjoyed a calm lifestyle as a rancher in Montana. She also carves for partaking in hiking and events at The Valley View Rodeo and Headwaters Livestock Auction. He even liked activities such as the rodeo, going to the RodeoHouston event with his family. However, he was the co-founder of Valley View Rodeo in Bozeman, Montana, with his partner, Brittney Marie Jones.
The Family Tree
| Grandparents | Narvel Leroy Blackstock and Gloria Blackstock |
| Parents | Narvel Blackstock and Elisa Gayle Ritter, Reba McEntire (Stepmom) |
| Siblings | Shelby Blackstock, Chassidy Celeste Blackstock, and Shawna Rene Blackstock |
| Spouses | Melissa Ashworth and Kelly Clarkson |
| Children | Savannah Blackstock, Seth Blackstock, River Rose Blackstock, and Remington Alexander Blackstock |
A Quick Tour of His Professional Journey as a Talent Manager & Rancher
Brandon Blackstock‘s career began in the entertainment industry with his father Narvel Blackstock’s company, “Starstruck Entertainment”.
He gained recognition as a talent manager for artists such as Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts, and he also managed his ex-wife, Kelly Clarkson.
In addition to management, he served as a television producer and executive producer for The Kelly Clarkson Show. His career, while significant, was marked by legal conflicts related to his business practices and ended unexpectedly with his death in August 2025 at the age of 48.
Personal Life – Marriages, Divorce & Children
Brandon Blackstock had a complex personal life, including relationships, children, marriages, and divorce.
Brandon was first married to Melissa Ashworth in 2001, and they shared two children named Savannah Blackstock and Seth Blackstock. In 2012, Brandon and Melissa divorced after a long, loving relationship of 12 years. The reason for their divorce is not revealed to the public by either side.
After 1 year, in 2013, Brandon married 2nd time to Kelly Clarkson. Brandon and Kelly also have two children, a daughter named River Rose Blackstock and a son named Remington Alexander Blackstock. Both were separated in 2022. Kelly Clarkson cited “irreconcilable differences” as the official reason for their separation. They don’t have any children together.
Who is Kelly Clarkson?
Kelly Clarkson is one of the top American singers, songwriters, and a popular TV personality. She is also known as the second love and devoted wife of Brandon Blackstock. He appeared on American Idol in 2002 and even won the season. With many top-notch accolades, including three Grammys, four American Music Awards, and two Academy of Country Music Awards, she steals the public’s attention and love, too.
Relationship with the “Queen of Country” – Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire, popular as “The Queen of Country,” is an entertainment tycoon, she is a well-known American singer, and actress.
Now, what is the relationship between her with Brandon Blackstock?
Reba McEntire is the stepmother of Brandon Blackstock because of marrying his father Narvel Blackstock, after the separation from Brandon’s biological mother, Elisa Gayle Ritter.
What Happened with Brandon Blackstock- All about his Demise!
According to USAToday, Brandon Blackstock‘s fight is with the common form of cancer, melanoma. On 7 August 2025, at the age of 48 years, at his home in Butte, Montana, he took his last breath, surrounded by all his family members, including ex-wife Kelly Clarkson and children. The announcement came a day after Clarkson revealed on social media that the August dates of her Las Vegas residency will be delayed as she prioritizes her family.
According to the family statement, “bravely battled cancer for more than three years, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by family.” They also prefer their family to be shown complete privacy during this time of grief.
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a skin cancer, developed in melanocytes. The cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color. This cancer is one of the dangerous types of skin cancer. This cancer is one of the most dangerous types of skin cancer. Melanoma is especially common in people with fair skin. The primary treatment for early-stage melanoma is surgery. Other treatments include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.
Brandon’s Last Major Public Appearances
Brandon Blackstock‘s last public appearance was with his ex-wife, Kelly Clarkson, at the Critics’ Choice Awards in January 2020. This is Blackstock’s final red carpet appearance. He was also seen with family, including his stepmother, Reba McEntire, at the Houston Rodeo event in March 2025.
Furthermore, his daughter Savannah shared a Facebook post with his beloved father just a week before his death.
Tributes & Condolences from Brandon’s Close Ones
- Stepmother, Reba McEntire, shared a heartfelt message on 13 August from her Facebook account- write,- “Last week, my stepson/oldest son Brandon Blackstock went home to be with God. His struggle is over and he is in eternal peace in God’s presence. There is no one else like him, and I’m thankful for the time we had together. His legacy and laughter will be carried on through his family. Rest in peace cowboy. Happy trails to you til we meet again.”
- Brandon’s brother, Shelby Blackstock, also shared his condolences about his brother, as an “irreplaceable part of our family.”
- Ex-wife, Melissa Ashworth, honored his memory, noting his hard-fought battle with cancer.
- Daughter, Savannah Blackstock also honored her tears by writing, “lost a piece of my heart and my favorite Cowboy”.
About The Funeral
According to the reports, the celebration of his last rites was planned for Sunday, August 17, 2025. The gathering took place at the First Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas.
The funeral was held with his family present, including former stepmother Reba McEntire, ex-wife Kelly Clarkson, and children. Other families and friends also partook with tears and condolences.
What was the lifestyle he led?
Since Brandon Blackstock‘s life is not as active as other celebrities, information about his lifestyle is not certain and well-documented.
However, away from the entertainment industry spotlight, he owned a $1.8 million ranch in Butte, Montana. He relished a cowboy lifestyle, complete with a ranch and rodeo activities.
Estimated Net Worth
At the time of his passing in August 2025, talent manager Brandon Blackstock was estimated to have a net worth of around $10 million. His fortune was gained through his work as a talent agent and manager, along with investments and real estate.
Social Media Engagement
Brandon Blackstock was not very active on social media; however, he does have an Instagram profile, where he has over 11k followers.
Moreover, no official profile exists on social media, like Facebook, Twitter, or something else.
Some Lesser-Known Facts – Fans Should Know
Although the details are explained in the early context of the story, here are some of Brandon’s must-know unknown facts:
- Brandon Blackstock is the stepson of country music legend Reba McEntire.
- Brandon was also a grandfather because his daughter, Savannah, was expecting her child with her boyfriend, Quentin Lee.
- Brandon had a partner named Brittney Marie Jones after divorcing Kelly Clarkson. She was a former production assistant for his ex-wife
- He and his partner, Brittney, were business partners, building a livestock auction company called Headwaters Livestock Auction and a rodeo, The Valley View Rodeo.
- He was a sharpshooter and enjoyed outdoor activities.
- In 2023, he was ordered to pay Clarkson $2,641,374 for unlawfully procuring deals on her behalf in his managerial role.
Final Words
Brandon Blackstock, a prominent figure in the music industry as a talent manager and the ex-husband of singer Kelly Clarkson, passed away at the age of 48 after a private three-year battle with melanoma. Another star that we all lost forever. Everything was detailed here as a complete life story of Brandon till his demise.
Blackstock’s legacy is remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for his deep love for his family and his passion for a “cowboy way of life.” His death has been met with an outpouring of tributes from friends and colleagues, and in his honor, we all have love and respect for him.
We salute a brave warrior like him for his 3-year battle with a deadly disease like cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Brandon Blackstock’s cause of death?
Brandon Blackstock died on 7 August 2025, from melanoma, a severe form of skin cancer, which he had been battling for more than 3 years.
How old was Brandon Blackstock when he died?
On 7 August 2025, he was 48 years old at the time of his death.
Was he married when he died?
No. Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson divorced in 2022. At the time of his passing, he was in a committed relationship with his partner and business associate, Brittney Marie Jones.
How many children did Brandon Blackstock have?
He had four children: two from his first marriage to Melissa Ashworth—daughter Savannah and son Seth. And, two with Kelly Clarkson—daughter River Rose and son Remington Alexander.
What was his relationship with Reba McEntire?
Brandon Blackstock was the stepson of country music legend Reba McEntire. His father, Narvel Blackstock, was married to McEntire in 1989.
